Lots of Moving Parts

We have lots of moving parts.

I hear this phrase almost daily. It didn't used to be that way of course, but the pace of work seems to have picked up each year. The use of technology in our lives (which I've completely adopted!) combined with an ever increasing workload means we have more projects and strategies simultaneously demanding our attention like never before.

Badge of Honor
For those in leadership positions the demands of the hyper-connected and "always on" world of work means we are constantly busy. Some people embrace that pressure in an almost martyr-like way proclaiming how busy they are at every available opportunity.

I'm not sure that's a good idea though. I worry it inadvertently sends a negative message to those around us. Is the "I'm so busy message" actually sending a signal that you are not approachable? Are you subconsciously trying to avoid new projects or responsibilities?

Being busy is a good thing! Complaining about it...well...that's not so good, even if you have convinced yourself that you're simply acknowledging that you're running at maximum capacity.

Parts Are Not The Whole
A different way to think about so many priorities in our lives is to appreciate that they are just that...lots of little parts. Small pieces can be managed, fixed, improved, reinvented, and delegated. Think about that for a minute. You do not have to do everything on every task at every minute.

Too often leaders fall into the trap of thinking they have to manage every little piece of the work on their own. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

We have talented professionals on our teams. We have young people with tremendous potential who simply want the opportunity to do more. 

We do not have enough time to play super-hero...but we do have time to think strategically and manage all of those moving parts.

How About You
Have you used the phrase "lots of moving parts?" If so, what are you doing about it? Simply saying that over and over will yield exactly zero progress. However, if you slow down for a minute, think strategically, and tap into your team you'll watch those parts eventually turn into a well oiled machine.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Cliffs, Difference, and Power

Today is New Year's Eve, and in the United States we're making plans for the big event. People are reaching out to one another, there's lots of conversation, and we're generally waiting with anticipation to see what 2013 will bring.

Sadly, the buzz has nothing to do with celebrating a new year, but instead has us caught up in the never ending melodrama that comes from Washington, D.C., this time focusing on the proverbial fiscal cliff.

The Real Story
It shouldn't come as a surprise to any of us in leadership (or any other part of life) that elected officials struggle mightily to get along. For years we are programmed to believe in ourselves, have confidence, stand up for what we believe in...etc...and then we become professionals and are expected to compromise, see the big picture, and do what's best for everyone.

That seems to me like a fairly sudden change of course.

So if we're raised to have a certain set of beliefs, yet the reality is that we can not get our own way all of the time, and must learn to compromise in order to be successful, why is it that we still struggle as leaders?

Accepting Difference

I believe that this private struggle that has a very public impact is all about difference. Overcoming the natural tendency to want our ideas to win out; or to push an idea forward simply because we don't want to be perceived as looking bad are not realistic strategies, nor quite honestly have they ever been. The workplace needs to embrace the different perspectives, ideas, experiences, and cultures that make our organizations unique.

Yes, some ideas are worth pursuing and others are not going to work. But until we stop talking and start listening to each other, it is unlikely that anything productive will get accomplished. You have the power to change the way differences are handled in your organization. You also have the power to reinforce the status quo through your inaction.

How About You
When was the last time you had to force yourself to stop and hear what a colleague was saying? What if their idea was something you were strongly opposed to...were you able to hear what they were saying instead of preparing your response while they were still talking? The power of difference...give it a try.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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